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Greek reporter Harris Stavrou came to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s defense after a video of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar slapping his teammate went viral on social media. With EuroBasket 2025 less than 10 days away, Antetokounmpo is drawing attention for reasons beyond basketball.
The Bucks forward joined the Greek national team earlier this month and has been traveling with them for a series of exhibition games ahead of the tournament. After Greece’s matchup against Montenegro on Thursday, Antetokounmpo joined the team huddle, where the controversial moment occurred.
A video clip showed him slapping teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis on the back of the head, sparking speculation about whether it was a sign of frustration. However, Harris Stavrou quickly clarified the situation.
Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo slap Larentzakis like that 😭
🎥 giannispan_/TikTok pic.twitter.com/kuwtbvEMvd
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 16, 2025
The reporter explained on X that Antetokounmpo and Larentzakis have known each other for years, playing together since 2013. He also shared footage of Larentzakis slapping Giannis during a previous Greece game, emphasizing the friendly nature of their bond.
Another video angle from Thursday’s huddle supported this, showing Larentzakis smiling immediately after the slap. While Giannis appeared to deliver a strong hit, it was seemingly part of the playful dynamic between the two longtime teammates.
Antetokounmpo and Larentzakis grew up together. They are playing for Greece since 2013, when they competed in the EuroBasket U20 in Estonia. As you can see, they are having fun together for a very long time.pic.twitter.com/IR1e9KSmfX
— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) August 17, 2025
2025 playoff struggles continue for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The viral moment comes just months after the Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing postseason. They were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, marking the third consecutive year of an early exit for Antetokounmpo and his team.
The Bucks also fell in the opening round in 2024, again to Indiana, and in 2023 against the Miami Heat. Four years after leading Milwaukee to a championship, Giannis has struggled to replicate that success despite the addition of star guard Damian Lillard.
This summer, the Bucks made significant roster changes, parting ways with Lillard and adding center Myles Turner. The upcoming 2025-26 season is seen as a pivotal one for Giannis. If Milwaukee fails to advance past the opening round again, speculation about his long-term future with the franchise will only grow stronger.
